Red carpet fashion at the 2020 Academy Awards
The 2020 Academy Awards were a night that the world would never forget. Full of controversial nominees, joy-filled acceptance speeches and beautiful performances, the night was a spectacular way to represent our era and every aspect of pop culture that it holds. At the root of our culture lies fashion, where the gorgeous gowns and sleek suits of the evening embodied the entirety of 2019.
Kaitlyn Dever
Dressed in a ruby red sweetheart neckline, the Booksmart star strutted the Academy Awards’ red carpet in a custom design by Louis Vuitton. Entirely made from sustainable fabrics, Dever’s gown was embroidered with Swarovski crystals and glass beads. Dever paired her dress with a silk satin shawl, deep red Aldo heels and Harry Winston jewels. She sported a “no-makeup” makeup look with a simple black cat-eye and a nude lip.
Timothée Chalamet
It is absolutely no exaggeration that Timothée Chalamet stole the red carpet with his navy blue zip-up suit. Designed by Prada, the set had fans going crazy. He paired the outfit with black flat-toed boots, Cartier jewels and a sleek hair look.
Billie Eilish
The five-time Grammy winner arrived at the Academy Awards in no other than her usual attire. Adorned head-to-toe in an off white Chanel pantsuit, the singer accessorized with black and white sneakers, long black nails and lace fingerless gloves. To top it off, Eilish styled her hair in a green and black low messy bun, accompanied by a Chanel logo pin and a multicolored hair ribbon. Later in the night, Eilish and her brother Finneas performed The Beatles’ “Yesterday” during the annual “In Memoriam” tribute.
Spike Lee
In his show-stopping red carpet look at the 2020 Academy Awards, Spike Lee wore a suit dedicated to the late basketball player, Kobe Bryant. Dressed head-to-toe in purple and yellow, the film director was sure to make a huge statement. The tux was completed with the number 24. In 2009, the duo released a documentary about the life of the basketball superstar, Kobe Doin’ Work.
Greta Gerwig
The Little Women director made a dramatic entrance in this Dior Haute Couture gown. Shaped by a sweetheart neckline and thin belt, Gerwig’s dress was lined with fringe detail along the bottom. Green-toned Bulgari jewels complimented the look.
Joaquin Phoenix
Unlike many other attendees of the 2020 Oscars, Joaquin Phoenix wore a single tuxedo to the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, SAG Awards, BAFTAs and Academy Awards. In a successful attempt to represent sustainable fashion and its countless environmental benefits, the actor wore a Stella McCartney suit, and in his Oscar acceptance speech for Lead Actor as the Joker, Phoenix discussed the all-encompassing topic of environmental rights.
Laura Dern
Sunday, Feb. 9 was a huge night for Dern, as she was able to celebrate her 53rd birthday with her first-ever Oscar acceptance. The Marriage Story and Little Women star walked the red carpet in a ballet pink Armani Prive design. Niwaka jewels, a black beaded bodice and sleek pull-back hair added delicately intricate details to the look. When the award show was over and it was time for the afterparty, Dern swapped the modern gown for a 25-year-old vintage black Giorgio Armani dress from her closet.
Roman Griffin Davis and Archie Yates
Jojo Rabbit stars Roman Griffin Davis and Archie Yates sure do know how to make any place a good time, and the 2020 Academy Awards were no exception. The boys, ages 12 and 11, wore bow tie tuxedos. Davis’ velvet coat had orange collar detailing with complimenting cufflinks while Yates strutted in a classic suit and patent leather shoes. Their 2019 film was nominated for six awards.
Janelle Monae
Drenched in 168,000 Swarovski crystals, Monae’s dress was sure to make the jaws of spectators drop to the ground. Composed of a long-sleeved bodice, floor-length A-line skirt and hood, the Ralph Lauren design took over 600 hours to handcraft. Opening the 92nd Oscars, the singer, alongside Billy Porter, performed a song summarizing all of the film industry’s amazing feats of the past year.
AP • May 28, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Loved your observations, Mardi! You have an eye for fashion!